misdiagnosis

noun

mis·​di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌmis-ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs 

-əg-

plural misdiagnoses ˌmis-ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-ˌsēz 

-əg-

: an incorrect diagnosis

Misdiagnosis can easily occur unless the veterinarian is alert to the possibility of Lyme disease.

—Suzanne Clothier et al.

The court also stated that experts can be sued for negligence resulting from their misdiagnoses.

—Mark Hansen

Examples of misdiagnosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This could theoretically get them in trouble for misdiagnosis and attract more scrutiny by insurance companies. — Ashleigh N. Deluca, STAT, 20 Aug. 2026

False lead One of the biggest missteps was a misdiagnosis early in his case. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026

An Ohio woman filed a similar lawsuit saying a 2019 error on a biopsy led to a misdiagnosis of lung cancer and unneeded surgery. — Kim Chandler, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026

Why Leaders Reach For The Wrong Diagnosis The misdiagnosis is predictable. — Leslie Ellis, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for misdiagnosis

• acanthosis
• acidosis
• alkalosis
• amaurosis
• ankylosis
• asbestosis
• brucellosis
• cyanosis
• dermatosis
• diagnosis
• ecchymosis
• exostosis

Medical Definition

misdiagnosis

noun

mis·​di·​ag·​no·​sis (ˌ)mis-ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs 

plural misdiagnoses -ˌsēz 

: an incorrect diagnosis